Frontline Source Group Executive Search Firm represents an exceptional retail company seeking a talented professional for this outstanding career opportunity.

Overview

Our client, a leading retail organization, is seeking an experienced Buyer with an emphasis around Footwear responsible for product selection, pricing, and promotional strategies to achieve sales, margin, and profit goals. This role is highly product-focused and drives results through strong vendor partnerships, detailed analysis, and customer-centric decision-making. The Buyer collaborates closely with Planning and Merchandising teams to ensure the right styles, sizes, and fits are available at the right time and place, maximizing inventory investment and enhancing the customer experience. Key responsibilities include trend analysis, strategy development, and proactive response to sales performance. This position reports to the Divisional Merchandise Manager and requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner and key support resource to the organization
• Lead junior Merchandising Department Associates to deliver on financial and talent goals
• Oversee a high-volume, multi-category footwear business, including omnichannel strategy for stores and e-commerce
• Make product decisions rooted in brand integrity and an understanding of the core customer, ensuring high satisfaction
• Set priorities, foster cohesion, and provide motivation to cross-functional teams
• Develop and communicate a conceptual assortment plan across all footwear departments that align with financial goals (style mix, key items, retails, IMU, AUR, etc.)
• Partner with Planning to execute appropriate financial and distribution strategies to maximize sales, margin, and inventory turn
• Determine order quantities by style, size, and color; validate orders against OTB plans
• Ensure store-level depth and SKU assortment meets volume-based demand
• Maximize e-commerce footwear sales, margin, and messaging
• Partner with the Director of Marketing to identify and promote key footwear styles
• Manage, develop, and coach direct reports and support talent development
• Assess competition in the footwear space for pricing, trends, and marketing strategies; adjust accordingly to maintain market leadership
• Travel as needed to attend markets, store visits, vendor meetings, and training

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Retail Merchandising, Business, or related field, or equivalent work experience
• 6+ years of progressive buying experience in retail, preferably with footwear
• 2+ years of experience in merchandising team leadership
• Strong knowledge of buying principles and product lifecycle
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of retail KPIs and financials
• Demonstrated negotiation and vendor management skills
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience buying or managing footwear categories
• Familiarity with western and work footwear brands
• Experience building private label or exclusive product assortments
• Strong analytical and quantitative decision-making skills
• Background in merchandising across both store and e-commerce environments

About This Opportunity Frontline Source Group is proud to represent this established retail organization that offers excellent growth potential, competitive compensation, and a collaborative work environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a successful company and make a significant impact in the footwear retail space.